RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said outside linebacker K.J. Wright will have surgery Tuesday to repair a fracture in his foot and will be out four to six weeks.

Carroll would not speculate if they could get Wright back for the playoffs, or possibly a Super Bowl.

"We'll find out more after [the surgery]," Carroll said. "It's usually six weeks for broken bones, but he's a good healer."

For now, it appears the Seahawks will not place Wright on injured reserve, which would end his season. Malcolm Smith, in his third season from USC, will step in and start for Wright.

"Malcolm understands the position well and he's a fantastic athlete," Carroll said. "He's played quite a bit for us this season and we're confident he'll do a good job for us."

Smith (6-foot, 226 pounds) started four games and has played in all 13 outings this year. Wright's injury also could mean additional playing time for O'Brien Schofield, a hybrid linebacker/defensive end with good quickness off the edge.

Center Max Unger left the game Sunday with a pectoral strain. Carroll said he will be limited in practice Wednesday, but hopes Unger will be ready to play Sunday against the New York Giants.